LIFE IS ALL ABOUT SERVICE
Service is an act of personal involvement. It is the result of an innate desire to give a little back to the society that has supported us, and has given us what we possess. Service is not due to what happens to us. It is due to what happens with us. The riches we enjoy are due to others who have made it possible. Returning a part of what we have to the community is not only our duty, but our obligation
There seems to be some value to Rotarians to observe the needy at close quarters. The pain of others should generate pain in us – pain which is painful enough to stimulate compassion.
A man asked Dr. Carl Menninger “What would he advise a person to do if he felt a nervous breakdown coming on?” Most people expected him to reply “Consult a psychiatrist.”To their astonishment and surprise he replied, “Lock up your house, go across the rail road tracks, find someone in need and do something to help that person.”
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” says John Cassis. Life is a lot like the game of tennis. Those who do not serve well, end up losing.
If you are dissatisfied with your lot in life, build a service station on it. A good way to forget your troubles is to help others out of theirs. Almost all of our unhappiness is a result of selfishness. Instead, think in terms of what the other person wants, not just what you want. It is absolutely true that you can succeed the best and quickest way by helping others to succeed.
We all know what message our PRIP Clifford Dochterman gave to the Rotary world “Real Happiness Is Helping Others,” the message of PRIP Rajendra K. Saboo also speaks more or less of the same “Look Beyond Your Self,” and see how nicely PRIP Kalyan Banerjee puts it “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity,”and lastly, PRIP K. R. Ravindran said “Be a Gift to the World.” All the world Leaders of Rotary try to convey the message of Service in some form or the other.
“Remember the measure of life is not in its duration, but in its donation. Everyone can be great because everyone can serve,” reminds Peter Marshall. No one achieves greatness without being of service. Never reach out your hands unless you are willing to extend an arm and your heart.
YES FRIENDS, LIFE IS ALL ABOUT SERVICE.
Rtn. Ashok Mahajan,
Director, Rotary International (2007 – 09)
Trustee, The Rotary Foundation (2009 – 13)